Santa Monica College to Host 7th Annual GIVING THANKS(giving) Event Nov. 25 – 27

Santa Monica College (SMC) will provide holiday groceries to 3,000 SMC students in need Nov. 25-27 at SMC's Main Campus, 1900 Pico Blvd. in Santa Monica. Organized by the Santa Monica College Foundation, the flagship three-day event GIVING THANKS(giving) is dedicated to addressing the growing issue of food insecurity among enrolled SMC students by providing them with the fixings for a delicious holiday meal.

GIVING THANKS(giving) will take place, rain or shine, on Monday, Nov. 25 between 12:30 p.m. – 7 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 26 between 11 a.m. – 6 p.m., and Wednesday, Nov. 27 between 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. near the on-campus pantry The Bodega, located at SMC's Main Campus. Each student will receive their choice of fresh produce, pies, bread, butter, sparkling cider, and a gift card to purchase additional holiday meal items, including turkey. The only eligibility requirement is current enrollment. Valid student ID required.

SMC serves approximately 27,000 students annually; 63% are from low-income households and 52% are first-generation college students.

"Many students, particularly those from low-income households, find themselves unable to afford regular, nutritious meals," said SMC Dean of Institutional Advancement Dr. Lizzy Moore. "We are immensely grateful to the donors whose generosity will help the SMC Foundation in eliminating barriers to food security during this holiday season."

This year's sponsors include Albertsons Companies Foundation, Dance for a Difference, Hello Monday HR, Freya & Mark Ivener, Jacmar Foodservice, KCRW, Layla Bagels & Coffee, Rachel & Jeff Lipp, Melissa's Produce, Payden & Rygel, Recharge, Dr. Ava T. Shamban, Smart & Final Charitable Foundation, SMC Associated Students, SMC Associates, SMC Emeritus, and Westside Food Bank.

Donations may be made online at: foundation.smc.edu/thanksgiving. Interested individuals and organizations can also call SMC Foundation Development Director Katie Moe at (310) 434-4293 or email: moe_katherine@smc.edu.

More information about the Annual GIVING THANKS(giving) is available by visiting foundation.smc.edu/thanksgiving. Santa Monica College is a California Community College accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC).